Basketball: Cook wants Sharks to bounce back with a victory

Sheffield Sharks will not allow the end of their winning streak to disrupt their rhythm heading into the BBL Play-offs.

The eight-game surge, which carried Atiba Lyons’ side from 10th position into the thick of the battle for fifth, came to an end last Sunday as they were edged by Leicester Riders.

Sharks return to action at home against Manchester Giants on Friday night at the EIS (7.30pm) and Mike Cook, whose fine form since he settled back in Sheffield was a catalyst for that winning run, does not see the loss having a negative impact on their momentum.

“I think the more important thing is to continue to find our rhythm, any team that we play will be good so we have to be ready,” said the Sharks guard. “Sunday was a great game and we battled with the best team in the league in my opinion, if we shoot the ball a little better then we are victorious.

“We know we can beat anyone if we are all on the same page, so Sunday’s game was one that got away but will not take a way any momentum.”

Cook sat out last Friday’s impressive away win at London Lions but revealed it was only to rest amid of the hectic end-of-season schedule.

But a repeat tonight appears unlikely with plenty on the line for both teams.

Sharks must win both games this weekend and hope Lions and Glasgow Rocks slip up to finish fifth, while Giants require one more victory from their two games than Bristol Flyers achieve in their meeting with Leeds Force to reach the Play-offs.

Cook added: “Manchester are another team who play hard all game and they are fighting to get in the Play-offs so we know we have to be ready for another battle. They definitely have our respect.”

Sharks travel to Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday for their final match of the regular season.

Sheffield will face either Cheshire, Leicester or Worcester Wolves in the play-offs first round.